Coin processing device, settlement system, and cash processing device

Abstract

To enable troublesomeness in dispensing coins to be reduced.SOLUTION: Provided is a coin processing device including: a plurality of storage parts that store coins by denomination; a temporarily holding part that holds coins delivered from the plurality of storage parts; a dispensing tray that has a portion storing the coins to be paid out to an operator provided in a manner exposed to the outside of the device; a conveyance part that conveys the coins held in the temporarily holding part to the dispensing tray; and a dispensing box that stores the coins to be paid out to the operator by denomination and provided to be drawn to the outside of the device. The temporarily holding part is movable to a first position for conveying the held coins to the conveyance part and conveying the held coins to the dispensing tray by the conveyance part and a second position for conveying the held coins to the dispensing box.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin processing device, a settlement system, and a cash processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, coin processing devices have been used to manage coins in cash registers installed in stores, etc. As described in Patent Document 1 below, coin processing devices perform a deposit process in which coins carried and inserted by a store clerk from the cash register are stored in storage compartments for each denomination, and a withdrawal process in which coins in the storage compartments are withdrawn as change reserves for the cash register. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-49533 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When dispensing coins from the coin processing device, it is necessary to pull out the dispensing box that stores the coins dispensed from the storage unit by denomination, which means that even when dispensing a small number of coins, the dispensing box must be pulled out of the device, which is inconvenient.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved coin processing device, settlement system, and cash processing device that can reduce the hassle of dispensing coins. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, a coin dispenser includes a plurality of storage units that store coins by denomination, a temporary storage unit that stores coins dispensed from the plurality of storage units, a dispensing tray that is provided with a portion that stores the coins exposed to the outside of the device, a transport unit that transports the coins stored in the temporary storage unit to the dispensing tray, and a dispensing box that stores the coins by denomination and is provided so that the coins can be withdrawn outside the device. a collection box for storing coins collected from the device; The temporary storage unit transports the stored coins to the transport unit, and the transport unit has a first position for transporting the stored coins to the dispensing tray and a second position for transporting the stored coins to the dispensing box. a third position for transporting the reserved coins to the collection box; A coin handling device is provided that is movable to

[0008] The temporary storage unit may have a wall portion that forms a storage space for storing the coins, and a bottom portion that forms the bottom surface of the storage space and on which the coins are accumulated.

[0009] The temporary storage section may be moved to any one of the first position, the second position, and the third position by horizontally moving the wall section or opening the bottom section.

[0010] The transporting section, the withdrawal box, and the collection storehouse may be located below the temporary storage section, and the first position may be a position where the reserved coins are dropped into the transporting section, the second position may be a position where the reserved coins are dropped into the withdrawal box, and the third position may be a position where the reserved coins are dropped into the collection storehouse.

[0011] The temporary storage unit may be configured such that the bottom surface is opened by the wall portion moving from the third position to the first position, and coins accumulated on the bottom surface fall into the transport unit.

[0012] The temporary holding unit may accumulate, on the bottom surface at the third position, coins dispensed from the plurality of storage units.

[0013] In the temporary storage unit, when in the third position, the wall portion does not move and the bottom portion is opened, so that coins accumulated on the bottom portion fall into the collection box.

[0014] When the wall portion moves from the third position to the second position via the first position, the bottom portion of the temporary holding section moves together with the wall portion, and when the wall portion reaches the first position, the movement of the bottom portion stops, thereby opening the bottom portion and allowing coins accumulated on the bottom portion to fall into the withdrawal box.

[0015] The device may further include an operation unit that accepts operations from an operator and a control unit that executes predetermined processing based on the operation, and the control unit may control the temporary holding unit according to the discharge destination of the coins associated with the transaction selected by the operator.

[0016] The control unit may, if the operator is a customer who does not have the specified authority, move the temporary holding unit to a first position and eject coins to be dispensed to the customer from the dispensing tray, and, if the operator is an authorized person who has the specified authority, move the temporary holding unit to any of the first position, the second position, or the third position depending on the transaction selected by the operator.

[0017] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information management device that manages information on purchased goods and a coin processing device, wherein the information management device includes a transmission unit that transmits settlement information used for settling the purchased goods to the coin processing device, and the coin processing device includes an operation unit that accepts operations from an operator, a plurality of storage units that store coins by denomination, a temporary storage unit that stores coins dispensed from the plurality of storage units, a dispensing tray that is provided with a portion that stores the coins exposed to the outside of the device, a transport unit that transports the coins that are stored in the temporary storage unit to the dispensing tray, a dispensing box that stores the coins by denomination and is provided so that the coins can be withdrawn to the outside of the device, and a receiving unit that receives the settlement information. A settlement system is provided which comprises a receiving unit and a control unit, wherein the temporary holding unit transports the held coins to the transport unit and is movable to a first position for transporting them to the dispensing tray by the transport unit, and a second position for transporting them to the dispensing box, and when the operation is performed by a customer who does not have specified authority, the control unit performs settlement based on the settlement information received by the receiving unit and moves the temporary holding unit to the first position so that the coins are discharged from the dispensing tray as change, and when the operation is performed by an authorized person who has specified authority, moves the temporary holding unit to the first position or the second position depending on the selected dispensing transaction.

[0018] In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a banknote processing device that deposits and dispenses banknotes, and a coin processing device, wherein the coin processing device includes a plurality of storage units that store coins by denomination, a temporary storage unit that stores coins dispensed from the plurality of storage units, a dispensing tray that is provided with a portion that stores the coins exposed to the outside of the device, a transport unit that transports the coins that are stored in the temporary storage unit to the dispensing tray, and a dispensing box that stores the coins by denomination and is provided so that the coins can be withdrawn to the outside of the device. a collection box for storing coins collected from the device; The temporary storage unit has a first position for transporting the stored coins to the transport unit, and a second position for transporting the stored coins to the dispensing tray by the transport unit. a third position for transporting the reserved coins to the collection box; A cash handling device is provided that is movable to [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the hassle involved in dispensing coins. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing an example of an internal configuration of a coin processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing an example of the internal configuration of the coin processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example (first position) of a movement form of the withdrawal escrow section according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a movement pattern (second position) of the withdrawal escrow section according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a movement pattern (third position) of the withdrawal escrow section according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a transaction process related to coins according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram illustrating a settlement system including a coin processing device according to an application example of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a coin dispensing process according to an application example of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0022] <1. Configuration of coin handling device> 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the internal configuration of a coin processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a view of the coin processing device 1 as seen from the front side, and Fig. 2 is a view of the coin processing device as seen from the right side.

[0023] The coin processing device 1 manages coins handled at cash registers installed in stores, etc. For example, the coin processing device 1 performs deposit processing and counting processing for coins brought from the cash register by store clerks. The coin processing device 1 also performs processing for dispensing coins as change reserves to be used at cash registers and for dispensing coins for currency exchange, etc. The main operators of the coin processing device 1 are expected to be, for example, store clerks or security guards from a security company.

[0024] 1, the coin processing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a coin receiving unit 10, a coin feeding unit 12, a coin verification unit 14, a sorting and transporting unit 20, a rejected coin storage unit 26, a deposit escrow unit 30, a deposit guide 32, a return box 34, a denomination-specific hopper 36, a withdrawal escrow unit 42, a dispensing guide 44, a dispensing box 50, a dispensing tray 54, a collection box 58, and a control unit 90. In addition, a front transport unit 52 is provided between the withdrawal escrow unit 42 (and the dispensing guide 44) and the dispensing tray 54. In this embodiment, the denomination-specific hopper 36 corresponds to the coin storage unit, the withdrawal escrow unit 42 corresponds to the escrow unit that stores coins, and the dispensing guide 44 corresponds to the bottom of the escrow unit.

[0025] The coin receiving unit 10 is a portion that receives coins C that are inserted. The coin receiving unit 10 is located above and on the front side of the coin processing device 1. The coin receiving unit 10 has an insertion slot 11 through which coins are inserted. The insertion slot 11 has a wide opening at the top so that coins can be easily inserted all at once. Coins inserted into the coin receiving unit 10 fall into the coin feeding unit 12.

[0026] The coin feeding unit 12 is located below the coin receiving unit 10, and feeds out coins that have dropped from the coin receiving unit 10 one by one. A rotating disk (not shown), for example, is provided inside the coin feeding unit 12. The coins in the coin feeding unit 12 move due to centrifugal force generated when the rotating disk rotates, and are fed out one by one to the coin verification unit 14.

[0027] The coin verification unit 14 determines the fitness, authenticity, denomination, etc. of coins dispensed from the coin dispensing unit 12. The coin verification unit 14 has a sensor that recognizes coins, and determines the fitness, authenticity, denomination, etc. of coins based on the characteristics of the coin detected by the sensor. The coin verification unit 14 transports the identified coins to the sorting and transporting unit 20.

[0028] The sorting and transporting unit 20 is a transporting unit for sorting and transporting coins by denomination based on the discrimination result by the coin verification unit 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the sorting and transporting unit 20 has a reject port 21 and denomination-specific discharge ports 22a to 22f. Coins that are discriminated as not being normal genuine coins by the coin verification unit 14 pass through the reject port 21 as rejected coins to be returned. On the other hand, coins that are discriminated as normal genuine coins that can be accepted pass through denomination-specific discharge ports 22a to 22f corresponding to the denominations.

[0029] The rejected coin storage unit 26 stores rejected coins that have passed through the reject port 21. A reject chute is arranged below the reject port 21 (arranged along the route of arrow R shown in Figure 2) to guide rejected coins that have passed through the reject port 21 to the rejected coin storage unit 26. The rejected coin storage unit 26 has an openable door 28 on the front of the coin processing device 1. When the door 28 is open, the operator can pull out the rejected coin storage unit 26 to the outside of the device and remove the rejected coins.

[0030] The deposit escrow unit 30 temporarily stores coins ejected from the denomination-specific discharge outlets 22a to 22f by denomination. The deposit escrow unit 30 includes storage units 31a to 31f that are arranged in a straight line within a frame surrounding the four sides, dividing the interior into denominations. Below the denomination-specific discharge outlets 22a to 22f, chutes 51a to 51f are provided that guide the coins ejected from the denomination-specific discharge outlets 22a to 22f to the storage units 31a to 31f. For example, the storage unit 31a stores coins that have been ejected from the denomination-specific discharge outlet 22a and passed through the chute 51a.

[0031] The deposit guide 32 is provided below the deposit escrow unit 30 and forms the bottom surface of the deposit escrow unit 30. Coins guided to the storage units 31a to 31f are accumulated on the deposit guide 32 by denomination. In this embodiment, the deposit escrow unit 30 (more specifically, the storage units 31a to 31f) and the deposit guide 32 are each movable in the direction of arrow D1 shown in FIG. 1 to allow coins stored in the deposit escrow unit 30 to fall downward. The deposit escrow unit 30 and the deposit guide 32 are each movable independently between a standby position (the position shown in FIG. 1) and a coin drop position (a position directly above the denomination-specific hopper 36). For example, when the deposit escrow unit 30 moves to the coin drop position, the deposit guide 32 is stopped at the standby position. On the other hand, when the deposit guide 32 moves to the coin drop position, the deposit escrow unit 30 is stopped at the standby position.

[0032] The return box 34 stores coins that are returned to the operator due to reasons such as the cancellation of a transaction. The return box 34 is located directly below the deposit guide 32, which is in the standby position. Therefore, when the deposit guide 32 moves to the coin drop position, the return box 34 stores coins that fall from the deposit temporary holding section 30 along the route of arrow H shown in Figure 1. The return box 34 can be pulled out of the coin processing device 1 from the front side by the operator.

[0033] The denomination-specific hoppers 36 store deposited coins by denomination. The denomination-specific hoppers 36 are located directly below the deposit escrow section 30 located at the coin drop position. The denomination-specific hoppers 36 have an opening at the top through which coins dropping from the deposit escrow section 30 pass. Therefore, when the deposit escrow section 30 moves to the coin drop position, the denomination-specific hoppers 36 store coins dropping from the deposit escrow section 30 along the route indicated by arrow S in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the denomination-specific hoppers 36 are composed of a plurality of denomination-specific hoppers 36a to 36f arranged in a line corresponding to the denomination-specific storage sections 31a to 31f. Each of the denomination-specific hoppers 36a to 36f stores one of the following coins: 500 yen, 100 yen, 50 yen, 10 yen, 5 yen, and 1 yen coins. Each of the denomination-specific hoppers 36a to 36f is detachably attached to the device main body. Each of the denomination-specific hoppers 36a to 36f has a storage section for storing coins and a feeding section for feeding coins one by one to the withdrawal escrow section 42.

[0034] The withdrawal escrow unit 42 has a function of temporarily accumulating, by denomination, coins that have been dispensed from the denomination-specific hoppers 36a to 36f and dropped through the chute 40. As shown in Fig. 2, the withdrawal escrow unit 42 includes storage units 43a to 43f that are linearly arranged storage units for each denomination, dividing a frame surrounding the unit on all four sides into sections for each denomination. For example, storage unit 43a stores coins dispensed from the denomination-specific hopper 36a. In this embodiment, the frame surrounding the unit on all four sides and included in the withdrawal escrow unit 42 corresponds to the wall of the escrow unit.

[0035] The withdrawal guide 44 is provided below the withdrawal escrow unit 42 and is a bottom surface portion that forms the bottom surface of the withdrawal escrow unit 42. The coins guided to the storage units 43a to 43f are accumulated on the withdrawal guide 44 by denomination. In the present embodiment, the withdrawal escrow unit 42 and the withdrawal guide 44 are each movable in the horizontal direction to transport the coins stored in the withdrawal escrow unit 42. Specifically, they are movable in the direction of arrow D2 shown in FIG. 1 .

[0036] 3 to 5 are diagrams illustrating an example of movement of the withdrawal escrow unit 42 and the withdrawal guide 44. The withdrawal escrow unit 42 and the withdrawal guide 44 are each independently movable between a standby position (position indicated by a solid line), a first coin drop position (position indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 3), and a second coin drop position (position indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 4). For example, when the withdrawal escrow unit 42 moves to the first coin drop position as shown in FIG. 3, the withdrawal guide 44 stops at the standby position (position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 3). Furthermore, when the withdrawal escrow unit 42 moves to the second coin drop position as shown in FIG. 4, the withdrawal guide 44 moves together with the withdrawal escrow unit 42 to the position indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 4 (the first coin drop position of the withdrawal escrow unit 42), after which the withdrawal guide 44 stops, and only the withdrawal escrow unit 42 moves to the second coin drop position. 5, when the withdrawal guide 44 moves to the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 5 (the first coin drop position of the withdrawal escrow unit 42), the withdrawal escrow unit 42 is stopped at the standby position. This standby position of the withdrawal escrow unit 42 also serves as the third coin drop position. Here, in this embodiment, the first coin drop position of the withdrawal escrow unit 42 corresponds to the first position, the second coin drop position corresponds to the second position, and the standby position (third coin drop position) corresponds to the third position. Also, in this embodiment, the movement of the withdrawal escrow unit 42 to the first coin drop position or the second coin drop position corresponds to the movement of the wall portion (a frame surrounding the four peripheral sides) of the withdrawal escrow unit 42.

[0037] The dispensing tray 54 stores coins to be dispensed. The dispensing tray 54 stores coins that are fed from the denomination-specific hoppers 36 during dispensing processing, dropped from the dispensing temporary holding unit 42, and transported by the front transport unit 52.

[0038] The front conveyance unit 52 conveys coins that have dropped from the withdrawal escrow unit 42 along the route indicated by arrow J in FIG. 1 forward (toward the dispensing tray 54) using a conveyor belt, and guides them to the dispensing tray 54. As shown in FIG. 3, the front conveyance unit 52 is disposed directly below the withdrawal escrow unit 42, which is positioned at the first coin drop position. Therefore, when the withdrawal escrow unit 42 moves to the first coin drop position (corresponding to the first position) (see FIG. 3), coins are conveyed by dropping them from the withdrawal escrow unit 42 onto the front conveyance unit 52. As shown in FIG. 2, the dispensing tray 54 is disposed in front of the front conveyance unit 52. As a result, coins conveyed by the front conveyance unit 52 are discharged onto the dispensing tray 54. Note that the front conveyance unit 52 is not limited to a conveyor belt, and may be conveyed using a chute structure that slides coins that have dropped from the withdrawal escrow unit 42 and guides them to the dispensing tray 54.

[0039] 2, the portion of the dispensing tray 54 that stores coins is exposed to the outside of the device. This allows the operator to directly scoop up the coins stored in the dispensing tray 54 with their hands, making it easier to receive coins than if the dispensing box 50 were pulled out of the device.

[0040] The dispensing tray 54 has a structure in which the bottom of the portion that stores coins is open to allow the coins to fall. By placing an external optional tray 70 at a drop position where the coins fall from this bottom, the operator can dispense coins into the external optional tray 70 via the dispensing tray 54. Coins fed from the denomination-specific hoppers 36 can be discharged to the dispensing tray 54 in a mixed denomination state. This allows the operator to easily receive coins, for example, when dispensing a small amount, without having to pull the dispensing box 50 out of the device. Furthermore, even when transferring a large number of coins to the optional tray 70 or the like for transport, the operator can easily receive the coins by simply opening the bottom of the dispensing tray 54 and placing the optional tray 70 thereon, without having to pull the dispensing box 50 out of the device and transferring the coins to the optional tray 70.

[0041] The dispensing box 50 stores coins to be dispensed. The dispensing box 50 stores coins that are fed from the denomination-specific hoppers 36 during dispensing processing and that drop from the dispensing escrow section 42. The dispensing box 50 is detachably provided to the device main body, and stores coins that drop from the dispensing escrow section 42 while stored in the device main body. The stored coins can be collected by pulling the dispensing box 50 out of the device main body. The dispensing box 50 is disposed directly below the dispensing escrow section 42 that is positioned at the second coin drop position. Therefore, the dispensing box 50 stores coins that drop (are transported) from the dispensing escrow section 42 along the route indicated by arrow T in FIG. 1 when the dispensing escrow section 42 moves to the second coin drop position (corresponding to the second position) as shown in FIG. 4. The dispensing box 50 may be a single box containing six denominations, or a small box type separated into six denominations.

[0042] The collection box 58 is a non-recycling box used to collect coins collected as sales proceeds from the denomination-specific hoppers 36a to 36f and coins (overflow coins) deposited after the denomination-specific hoppers 36a to 36f are full of coins. The collection box 58 is also used to collect all coins dispensed from the denomination-specific hoppers 36a to 36f at once. The collection box 58 is detachably attached to the device main body. The collection box 58 is located directly below the withdrawal escrow unit 42 located in the standby position (third position). Therefore, when the withdrawal guide 44 moves in the direction of arrow D2 as shown in FIG. 5, the collection box 58 stores coins that drop (are transported) from the withdrawal escrow unit 42 located in the standby position (third position) along the route indicated by arrow K in FIG. 1.

[0043] The control unit 90 controls the overall operation of the coin processing device 1. For example, the control unit 90 controls the operation of each component of the coin processing device 1 when performing processes such as depositing and dispensing coins. The control unit 90 has a control unit that controls the operation of each component described above, and a storage unit that stores programs executed by the control unit and various data.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the control unit 90 determines the position of the withdrawal escrow unit 42 according to the coin ejection destination associated with the withdrawal transaction selected by the operator. For example, in the case of a collection transaction in which sales proceeds are collected, the associated ejection destination is the collection box 58, and the position of the withdrawal escrow unit 42 is determined to be the standby position (third position). In addition, in the case of a pattern withdrawal transaction in which coins are ejected in a combination preset by denomination, the associated ejection destination is the withdrawal box 50, and the position of the withdrawal escrow unit 42 is determined to be the second coin drop position (second position). In addition, in the case of a specified number withdrawal transaction in which the denomination and number of coins are arbitrarily specified, the associated ejection destination is the withdrawal tray 54, and the position of the withdrawal escrow unit 42 is determined to be the first coin drop position (first position). Note that the names of the transactions are not limited to these. In addition, the control unit 90 may present an indication of the ejection destination on a display unit (not shown) when the operator selects a transaction menu. The coin processing device 1 may be provided with a display unit and an operation unit (not shown). The operation unit accepts operations from an operator. The operation unit may be integrated with the display unit. The control unit 90 executes a predetermined process based on the operation accepted by the operation unit. For example, when a withdrawal transaction is selected, the control unit 90 may determine the position of the withdrawal escrow unit 42 according to the discharge destination specified by the operator. The control unit 90 may also automatically select the discharge destination from the withdrawal box 50 or the withdrawal tray 54 according to the number of coins to be dispensed. For example, the control unit 90 may select the withdrawal tray 54 when the number of coins to be dispensed is less than a predetermined number, and may select the withdrawal box 50 when the number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number. The control unit 90 may also automatically select either a pattern withdrawal transaction or a specified number withdrawal transaction according to the amount input by the operator.

[0045] After the coins fed from the denomination-specific hoppers 36 are accumulated in the withdrawal escrow section 42, the control unit 90 moves the withdrawal escrow section 42 to the determined position and transports the coins accumulated in the withdrawal escrow section 42 to the withdrawal box 50 or the front transport section 52 (dispensing tray 54). In the case of the standby position (third coin drop position), as shown in FIG. 5 , the control unit 90 moves the withdrawal guide 44 forming the bottom of the withdrawal escrow section 42 in the direction of arrow D2 to open the bottom of the withdrawal escrow section 42 and transport the coins accumulated in the withdrawal escrow section 42 to the collection box 58. Furthermore, without being limited to this, for example, the bottom surface of the withdrawal guide 44 in the standby position may be structured to be openable and closable, so that when closed, it forms a bottom surface for accumulating coins, and when open, it allows coins accumulated on the bottom surface to drop downward.

[0046] The internal configuration of the coin processing device 1 has been specifically described above. The arrangement of the dispensing box 50, the dispensing tray 54, and the collection box 58 is not limited to the positions shown in Figs. 1 and 2. For example, the arrangement of the dispensing box 50 and the collection box 58 may be reversed, or the arrangement of the dispensing box 50 and the dispensing tray 54 may be reversed. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the dispensing tray 54 is arranged below and to the right of the dispensing escrow section 42, but it may also be arranged below and to the left, or below and in front of the dispensing escrow section 42.

[0047] <2. Operation of the coin processing device during dispensing processing> Next, an example of the operation of the coin processing device 1 when performing a transaction process related to coins according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a transaction process related to coins according to this embodiment.

[0048] As part of the transaction process, the operator first selects a desired transaction from the transaction menu screen displayed on the display unit. Examples of such a transaction include a collection transaction, a pattern withdrawal transaction, and a specified number withdrawal transaction, as described above. In a pattern withdrawal transaction, the operator selects a desired pattern from among preset patterns of the number of coins of each denomination for withdrawal. In a specified number withdrawal transaction, the operator inputs the desired number of coins to be withdrawn for each denomination. The control unit 90 then causes the feeding units provided in the denomination-specific hoppers 36a-36f to dispense coins of the corresponding denomination based on the pattern or the number of coins to be dispensed for each denomination input by the operator, and transports the dispensed coins (i.e., coins to be ejected) to the withdrawal escrow unit 42 (step S103). The coins dispensed from the denomination-specific hoppers 36a-36f drop into the withdrawal escrow unit 42 and are accumulated on the withdrawal guide 44. At this time, the withdrawal escrow unit 42 is positioned in the standby position.

[0049] Next, the control unit 90 switches the position of the withdrawal escrow section 42 depending on the coin ejection destination (step S106).

[0050] For example, if the coin ejection destination is the dispensing tray 54, the control unit 90 moves the dispensing temporary holding section 42 to the first position (the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 3) (step S109). As shown in FIG. 3, the dispensing guide 44 is stopped at the standby position, so the coin falls from the bottom of the opened dispensing temporary holding section 42 into the front conveyance section 52. Next, the control unit 90 drives the front conveyance section 52 to convey the coin to the dispensing tray 54 (step S112). Then, the control unit 90 outputs guidance (on screen or by voice) to receive the coin ejected to the dispensing tray 54 (step S115).

[0051] Furthermore, if the coin is to be discharged to the dispensing box 50, the control unit 90 moves the dispensing escrow section 42 to the second position (the position shown by the dashed line in Fig. 4) (step S118). Because the dispensing guide 44 is stopped at the position shown by the dashed line in Fig. 4, the coin falls from the bottom of the opened dispensing primary reserve section 42 and is received in the dispensing box 50 (step S121). Then, the control unit 90 outputs guidance (on screen or by voice) to receive the coin dispensed into the dispensing box 50 (step S124).

[0052] Furthermore, if the coin ejection destination is the collection box 58, the control unit 90 stops the withdrawal escrow unit 42 at the third position (standby position) and moves the withdrawal guide 44 to the position indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 5 (step S127). As a result, the coin falls from the bottom of the opened withdrawal escrow unit 42 and is stored in the collection box 58 (step S130). Then, the control unit 90 outputs guidance (on the screen or by voice) to receive the coin ejected to the collection box 58 (step S133).

[0053] Next, the control unit 90 discharges the coins accumulated in the withdrawal escrow unit 42 to a discharge destination (the withdrawal tray, the withdrawal box 50, or the collection box 58) (step S109).

[0054] <3. Application Examples> In the above-described embodiment, the coin processing device 1 is described as depositing coins carried from a cash register and dispensing coins as change reserves to be used at the cash register, but this is not limited thereto, and the coin processing device 1 may be placed in a store (front area) and used as a settlement device. The coin processing device 1 placed in the front area can be used by customers of the store, store staff, and security guards of a security company.

[0055] Specifically, the coin processing device 1s is normally set to customer mode and operates as a settlement device used when a customer settles the price of merchandise. In this case, the control unit 90 of the coin processing device 1s switches the position of the withdrawal escrow unit 42 so that change from the settlement of merchandise is discharged from the dispensing tray 54. The customer can easily receive change from the dispensing tray 54, which is exposed outside the device. On the other hand, when a person with predetermined authority, such as a store clerk or security guard, logs in (is authenticated) by having a reading unit (not shown) read an authentication medium such as a card held by the person, the coin processing device 1s switches to authorized person mode. In this case, the control unit 90 performs control in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. That is, the control unit 90 displays a transaction menu screen on the display unit and executes the selected deposit / withdrawal transaction.

[0056] (3-1. System Configuration) Here, a settlement system 3 including a coin processing device 1s that is also used as a settlement device according to an application example will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 7, the settlement system 3 includes a POS (Point of Sale) terminal 310 operated by a store clerk, and a cash processing device 300 consisting of the coin processing device 1s and the banknote processing device 2. The POS terminal 310 and the cash processing device 300 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, and can send and receive data.

[0057] The coin processing device 1s has a configuration similar to that of the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The control unit 90 of the coin processing device 1s further includes a communication unit (including the functions of a transmitter and a receiver). The banknote processing device 2 performs processes such as depositing, counting, and dispensing banknotes. The coin processing device 1s and the banknote processing device 2 are communicatively connected and can send and receive data. The coin processing device 1s and the banknote processing device 2 may be separate entities or may be integrated. In this application example, as an example, the settlement process is performed by the control unit 90 of the coin processing device 1s. The banknote processing device 2 can transmit the total amount of banknotes deposited by a customer to the coin processing device 1s, and can dispense change by receiving a control signal from the coin processing device 1s.

[0058] The POS terminal 310 is an example of an information management device that manages information about purchased items. The POS terminal 310 includes a control unit that controls the operation of the POS terminal 310, a reading unit that reads information about items, an operation input unit that accepts operation inputs from a store clerk, a display unit that displays a transaction menu and the like, a communication unit (including the functions of a transmission unit and a reception unit) that transmits and receives data to and from the cash processing device 300, and a storage unit that stores programs executed by the control unit and various data. The operation input unit may be a touch panel integrated with the display unit. The store clerk causes the reading unit of the POS terminal 310 to read information about the purchased items. The POS terminal 310 transmits information used in the settlement process of the items (hereinafter referred to as settlement information) from the communication unit to the cash processing device 300. The settlement information is purchase amount information (calculated based on the number of items and the price). In this application example, as an example, the settlement process is performed by the control unit 90 of the coin processing device 1s, so the POS terminal 310 may transmit settlement information to the coin processing device 1s.

[0059] The control unit 90 of the coin processing device 1 calculates the change based on the amount deposited by the customer (the sum of the amount of coins deposited through the coin receiving unit 10 and the amount of banknotes deposited into the banknote processing device 2) and the settlement information (purchase amount information) received from the POS terminal 310, and performs the process of dispensing the change.

[0060] (3-2. Operation of the coin processing device 1s) Next, a coin dispensing process according to an application example will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a coin dispensing process according to an application example of this embodiment.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 90 normally sets the operation mode of the coin processing device 1s to customer mode (step S203). In customer mode, a settlement process can be performed based on the settlement information received from the POS terminal 310. Note that, although the normal operation mode is set to customer mode as an example here, this is not limiting, and the control unit 90 may switch to customer mode when settlement information is received from the POS terminal 310.

[0062] Next, if a login operation is performed by a person with specified authority, such as a store clerk or security guard (step S206 / Yes), the control unit 90 authenticates the authorized person, and if the authentication is successful, switches the operating mode of the coin processing device 1s to authorized person mode (step S209).

[0063] On the other hand, in the customer mode, the control unit 90 performs a settlement process based on the settlement information received from the POS terminal 310 (step S212). Specifically, the control unit 90 determines the amount of cash (change) to be dispensed based on the settlement information and the cash inserted by the customer.

[0064] Next, the control unit 90 causes the feeding units provided in the denomination-specific hoppers 36a to 36f to feed coins equivalent to the cash (change) to be discharged, and transports the coins to the withdrawal escrow unit 42 (step S215). The coins drop into the withdrawal escrow unit 42 and are accumulated on the withdrawal guide 44.

[0065] Next, in the customer mode, the control unit 90 determines the coin ejection destination to be the dispensing tray 54, and switches the dispensing escrow section 42 to the first position (see FIG. 3) (step S218). As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 90 drops the coins (here, change) accumulated in the dispensing escrow section 42 into the front transport section 52.

[0066] Then, the control unit 90 drives the front transport section 52 to transport the coins to the dispensing tray 54 and discharge them, and also guides the customer to collect the coins from the dispensing tray 54 (step S221).

[0067] Furthermore, when the authorized person mode is switched to in step S209, the clerk or the like selects a desired transaction from the transaction menu screen displayed on the display unit (step S224). Here, it is assumed that a withdrawal transaction (pattern withdrawal transaction, specified number withdrawal transaction) or a collection transaction is selected.

[0068] Next, the control unit 90 causes the dispensing section provided in the denomination-specific hoppers 36a to 36f to dispense coins of the corresponding denomination based on the pattern or the number of coins to be dispensed for each denomination input by the operator, and transports the dispensed coins (i.e., the coins to be ejected) to the withdrawal temporary holding section 42 (step S227).

[0069] Next, the control unit 90 switches the position of the withdrawal escrow section 42 depending on the discharge destination associated with the transaction selected by the store clerk or the like (step S230). As described above, for example, in the case of a specified number of withdrawal transaction, the control unit 90 moves the withdrawal escrow section 42 to the first position where coins can be dropped into the front transport section 52 that transports coins to the dispensing tray 54. Also, in the case of a pattern withdrawal transaction, the control unit 90 moves the withdrawal escrow section 42 to the second position where coins can be dropped into the withdrawal box 50. Also, in the case of a collection transaction, the control unit 90 stops the withdrawal escrow section 42 at a standby position (third position) where coins can be dropped into the collection box 58.

[0070] Then, the control unit 90 ejects the coins (here, change reserves or sales collections) accumulated in the withdrawal temporary holding section 42 from the ejection destination (dispensing tray, withdrawal box 50, or collection box 58) and guides a store clerk or the like to collect the coins from the ejection destination (step S233).

[0071] (3-3. Supplementary Information) In the above-described application example, the POS terminal 310 and the cash processing device 300 are configured as separate entities, and the cash processing device 300 can be said to be a so-called semi-self-service type checkout device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the POS terminal 310 and the cash processing device 300 may be configured as an integrated device (a so-called self-service type checkout device).

[0072] <4. Summary> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0073] For example, the coin processing device 1 may be provided with a different denomination discrimination unit in each of the denomination-specific hoppers 36a to 36f that discriminates whether coins dispensed from the denomination-specific hoppers 36a to 36f are of a different denomination. The different denomination discrimination unit includes, for example, an optical sensor and a magnetic sensor. The different denomination discrimination unit discriminates whether the denomination of coins actually dispensed from the denomination-specific hoppers 36a to 36f is different from the denomination of coins that should have been dispensed. If a dispensed coin is discriminated to be of a different denomination (if a coin is rejected), the control unit 90 temporarily stops the dispensing of coins at that point. Then, if the control unit 90 determines that the coins accumulated in the withdrawal escrow unit 42 are within the range of the sales amount (logical sales amount) determined within the device, the control unit 90 stores the coins accumulated in the withdrawal escrow unit 42, including the coins discriminated to be of a different denomination (rejected coins), in the collection box 58. The value of the coins accumulated in the withdrawal escrow unit 42 can be calculated from the number of coins dispensed from the denomination-specific hoppers 36. When all coins accumulated in the withdrawal escrow unit 42, including coins identified as being of a different denomination, are stored in the collection box 58, the control unit 90 resumes dispensing coins from the denomination-specific hoppers 36a to 36f. On the other hand, if the sales amount exceeds the range, the control unit 90 stops the dispensing operation and notifies an error.

[0074] In addition, one or more computer programs can be created to cause the hardware, such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM, built into the coin processing device 1 (1 s) to perform the functions of the coin processing device 1 (1 s). Also provided is a computer-readable storage medium on which the one or more computer programs are stored. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1, 1s coin processing machine 36 Denomination-specific hoppers 42 Withdrawal Temporary Holding Department 44 Withdrawal Guide 50 Withdrawal Box 52 Front conveying section 54 Dispensing tray 58 Collection Depot 90 Control Unit

Claims

1. A plurality of storage sections for storing coins by denomination; a temporary storage unit that stores coins dispensed from the plurality of storage units; a dispensing tray having a portion for storing the coins exposed to the outside of the device; a transport unit that transports the coins stored in the temporary storage unit to the dispensing tray; a withdrawal box that stores the coins by denomination and is provided so that the coins can be withdrawn outside the device; a collection box for storing coins collected from the device; Equipped with the temporary holding unit is movable to a first position for transporting the held coins to the transport unit and for transporting the held coins to the dispensing tray by the transport unit, a second position for transporting the held coins to the dispensing box, and a third position for transporting the held coins to the collection box. Coin processing equipment.

2. The temporary holding unit a wall portion that forms a storage space for storing the coins; a bottom portion that forms the bottom surface of the storage space and on which the coins are accumulated; having The coin processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The coin processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the temporary storage unit moves to any one of the first position, the second position, and the third position by horizontally moving the wall portion or by opening the bottom portion.

4. the transport unit, the withdrawal box, and the recovery box are provided below the temporary holding unit, the first position is a position where the reserved coin is dropped onto the transport unit, the second position is a position where the reserved coins are dropped into the withdrawal box, The third position is a position where the reserved coins are dropped into the collection box. The coin processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The coin processing device according to claim 4, wherein the temporary holding section has a bottom surface that opens when the wall portion moves from the third position to the first position, and coins accumulated on the bottom surface fall into the transport section.

6. The coin processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the temporary holding unit accumulates coins dispensed from the plurality of storage units on the bottom surface at the third position.

7. The coin processing device according to claim 6, wherein in the third position, the temporary holding unit has the wall portion not moving and the bottom portion opened, so that coins accumulated on the bottom portion fall into the collection box.

8. The coin processing device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein when the wall portion moves from the third position to the second position via the first position, the bottom portion moves together with the wall portion, and when the wall portion reaches the first position, the movement of the bottom portion stops, thereby opening the bottom portion and allowing coins accumulated on the bottom portion to fall into the withdrawal box.

9. an operation unit that accepts operations from an operator; a control unit that executes a predetermined process based on the operation, The control unit controlling the temporary holding unit in accordance with a discharge destination of the coins associated with the transaction selected by the operator; The coin processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The control unit If the operator is a customer without a predetermined authority, the temporary storage unit is moved to a first position, and coins to be dispensed to the customer are discharged from the dispensing tray; If the operator is an authorized person having a predetermined authority, the temporary holding unit is moved to any one of the first position, the second position, and the third position according to the transaction selected by the operator. The coin processing device according to claim 9.

11. An information management device that manages information on purchased items and a coin processing device are provided, the information management device includes a transmitter that transmits settlement information used for settling the purchased goods to the coin processing device, The coin processing device includes: an operation unit that accepts operations from an operator; A plurality of storage sections for storing coins by denomination; a temporary storage unit that stores coins dispensed from the plurality of storage units; a dispensing tray having a portion for storing the coins exposed to the outside of the device; a transport unit that transports the coins stored in the temporary storage unit to the dispensing tray; a withdrawal box that stores the coins by denomination and is provided so that the coins can be withdrawn outside the device; a receiving unit for receiving the settlement information; A control unit; Equipped with the temporary holding unit is movable between a first position for transporting the stored coins to the transport unit and for transporting the stored coins to the dispensing tray by the transport unit, and a second position for transporting the stored coins to the dispensing box; The control unit When an operation is performed by a customer who does not have the predetermined authority, the payment is settled based on the settlement information received by the receiving unit, and the temporary holding unit is moved to the first position so as to discharge the coins as change from the dispensing tray. When an operation is performed by an authorized person having predetermined authority, the temporary holding unit is moved to the first position or the second position according to the selected withdrawal transaction. Checkout system.

12. The banknote processing device deposits and dispenses banknotes, and the coin processing device are provided. The coin processing device includes: A plurality of storage sections for storing coins by denomination; a temporary storage unit that stores coins dispensed from the plurality of storage units; a dispensing tray having a portion for storing the coins exposed to the outside of the device; a transport unit that transports the coins stored in the temporary storage unit to the dispensing tray; a withdrawal box that stores the coins by denomination and is provided so that the coins can be withdrawn outside the device; a collection box for storing coins collected from the device; and the temporary holding unit is movable to a first position for transporting the held coins to the transport unit and for transporting the held coins to the dispensing tray by the transport unit, a second position for transporting the held coins to the dispensing box, and a third position for transporting the held coins to the collection box. Cash handling equipment.

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